By Michelle Richardson
Special to the AFRO

The AFRAM Festival returned to Baltimore June 21- 22, with some of the biggest stars in the music business gracing the main stage. The annual festival, which celebrates African-American culture, offered attendees some of the city’s best cuisine while showcasing Black excellence through art, fashion and culture. 

AFRAM began in 1976 as part of Baltimore’s Showcase of Nations and now serves as the city’s official Juneteenth celebration. The free festival was held in Druid Hill Park, with over 150,000 people attending day one of the festival. Festival attendees spread blankets on the lawn, and pitched tents to beat the heat while they waited for international artists like Amerie, Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Teedra Moses to hit the main stage.

“We know what AFRAM is: it is a celebration of everything that is Black excellence,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “It’s one of the largest festivals on the East Coast dedicated to Black history and culture.” 

Scott said “because of the state of the world” the festival returned “loud and even Blacker this year to remind everybody that–no matter how hard they try to erase us from the history books–they can’t erase us.”

  • Each year the AFRAM Festival offers fun, food and more for the whole family. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Baltimore-based artist Madea “Truth Da Poet” Bailey tries to beat back the heat while enjoying the 2025 AFRAM Festival. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Thousands fill Druid Park for the two-day AFRAM Festival. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Juvenile and his band, 400 degrees, light up the crowd from the AFRAM Main Stage. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • International icon Pattie Labelle performs for the crowd. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)
  • Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott enjoys the event with his wife, Hana Scott. (All photos courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J. J. McQueen)